Hi all,

I'm stilll waiting for my surgery.

Question: I've been reading about VBG Vertical Band Gas or sometimes it's written as the VGB. Basically, they stable your stomach so it's the same restrictive surgery as the lapband BUT from what I read - it's more effective.

Any thoughts about this option?

Thanks in advance!

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From what I've read, the Vertical Banded Gastroplasty is no longer done much in the U.S., unless it's been improved upon since I was doing research. It's not adjustable and is more prone to dangers complications such as staple-line disruptions.

I was attracted to banding specifically because it didn't involve any permanent changes to my anatomy. If I were going to make that leap, I'd probably go for the RNY if only because it's much more enthusiastically endorsed by the medical community.

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

Actually, I'm American but have been living in Holland a number of years. My surgeon is in Belgium.

The surgery staples your tummy but it is definitely reversable. No cutting involved - although yes, the staples could 'tear' you. :cry

I've just email my Doctor (his aid at least) and asked his thoughts about switching.

I like the lapband but from my research so far:

- I worry about being HUNGRY and not being able to eat those 6 weeks before my first fill

- I worry about having to get a fill or an unfill until I hit my 'sweet spot'

- I worry about slippage but with the VGB .. it would more like a tear .. which is WORSE when I think about it.... :omg:

Ummm now I feel a little silly because it seems like small things that I'm worrying about.

I guess what got me in this line of thinking is ... I want to lose weight FOR SURE .. not for 'maybe' and when I read too many bad lspband stories, I'm afraid I'll end up like them.

I'm self-pay so I don't want to go in for a revision and pay all over again ... I just want the weight OFF. (don't we all!)

No, RNY is over the top, My doctor advises - there's no sense in going that dramatic as my goal is 90 pounds AT MOST. I agree.

I guess I just needed to talk to someone about this... thanks for letting me vent.

I'll figure it out. :decision:

I must say the VBG forums on www.obsesity.com is like NOTHING as compared to this lapband forum! I log in a read EVERY DAY as I obsess over my weight EVERYDAY.

Thanks again!